Though widely cited and almost universally accepted, until recently little evidence existed to support the

time/safety influence curve. Recent research by the Centre for Construction Work Health and Safety at
RMIT University tested the proposition that considering H&S early would produce better outcomes.

This research formed part of an international benchmarking study of safety in design. Data were
collected from a total of 23 construction projects – 10 in Australia and New Zealand, and 13 in the USA.
In each project, specific elements or components of the building (or other facility) were selected. The
total number of elements in the analysis was 43. Elements included roof structures, sewerage systems,
retaining walls, a pedestrian bridge, and foundation systems. Project stakeholders involved in planning,
designing and constructing the buildings (or other facilities) were interviewed. Interviews explored
design decisions made for each element, the construction process